This Sunday marks the fourth edition of the Slovenian Snow Volleyball National Championships, set to unfold at Krvavec. A record-setting 24 teams, split equally with 12 per gender, are prepared to compete for national titles on the snow-covered slopes of RTC Krvavec. The defending champions include Sara Valenčič, Teja Kolbl, and Anastazija Žnidar in the women’s category, while Tadej Boženk, Danijel Pokeršnik, and Denis Robida hold the men’s title.
The national event returns to Krvavec ski resort this coming Sunday.
The Volleyball Federation of Slovenia (OZS) significantly expanded the tournament from 16 to 24 teams due to overwhelming interest and a high volume of registrations. Furthermore, four additional teams are currently on a waiting list, hoping for a chance to participate this Sunday if any registered teams withdraw.
The Krvavec tournament has drawn a strong contingent of players, including current and former national team members, alongside top athletes from the Slovenian elite volleyball league. Among the notable participants are national team players Anja Mazej and Žana Ivana Halužan Sagadin. Former Slovenian national team members Lana Ščuka, Sara Valenčič, and Špela Marušič are also poised to contend for top honors.
Sara Valenčič, Teja Kolbl, Anastazija Žnidar are the women`s defending champions.
The men’s category also promises an exciting competition, with 12 teams striving for the national title. The reigning champions Tadej Boženk, Danijel Pokeršnik, and Denis Robida will be joined by Matej Rapnik as they aim to defend their title.
Danijel Pokeršnik acknowledged the challenge of defending their title: “I am really pleased that so many teams have registered for the national championship. While it means a few more matches in the battle for the title, we will do everything we can to defend our title. I have looked through the list of registered teams, and the competition is strong. We cannot underestimate anyone. Even the young teams are getting stronger. The sets are short since they are played up to 15 points, so we need to stay focused from the first to the last point and play at the highest level possible. I believe our team is in good shape, and we will also rely on our experience from previous Snow Volleyball competitions. We have a few more training sessions on sand ahead of us, and then it will all start.”
Danijel Pokeršnik
Tadej Boženk, Danijel Pokeršnik, and Denis Robida will try to retain the title they won last year.
The Volleyball Federation of Slovenia expresses great anticipation for the event at Krvavec. Secretary General Gregor Humerca commented, “Despite the spring temperatures, we hope for a successful delivery of this year’s national championship. RTC Krvavec once again provides us with great conditions, so for the third consecutive year, we will crown our national champions there. Despite Snow Volleyball being a discipline without a league competition and a one-time event, the interest in the tournament in both categories is huge. We count on favorable weather conditions and that the spectators will be able to enjoy the spectacular moves of the best Slovenian players.”
The first matches are slated to commence at 9:00 a.m., with the highly anticipated finals scheduled for 3:00 p.m.
Beyond the athletic competition, the Slovenian national Snow Volleyball championship will also incorporate a charitable element. Through an initiative by the AED Association, participants, staff, and spectators will contribute to raising funds for the purchase of an automatic external defibrillator.
Krvavec ski resort will offer once again ideal conditions for the delivery of the Slovenian national championship.
